The municipality of Utsjoki

As the only municipality in Finland with a Saami majority, Utsjoki is a place where different cultures meet and the Northern Lights blaze across the skies.

Welcome to the municipality of Utsjoki

The municipality of Utsjoki (Ochejohka) is the only municipality in Finland where the majority of residents are Saami. Under the blazing Northern Lights the Saami villages of Utsjoki – the Utsjoki village centre, Nuorgam and Karigasniemi – offer you an opportunity to experience modern, everyday Saami culture: a culture you can live, see, hear, taste and feel. Utsjoki is a place where the traditional Lappish costume is still worn at a number of festivals and events.

Settlements in Utsjoki are mainly located along the banks of the Tenojoki, the river that marks the border between Finland and Norway. The closeness to Norway can be seen both in cross-border trade and in the landscape. The route to the Arctic Ocean, Nordkapp and the Varanger area runs through Utsjoki. Karigasniemi and Utsjoki are linked by one of the most beautiful scenic routes in Finland, the Tenontie, which runs alongside the Tenojoki. The small Saami villages of Dalvadas and Nuvvus are also located along the road.

Utsjoki is part of the Inari-Saariselkä region. In Inari and other villages in the area, the Sami culture is still very much in evidence in everyday life. Here is where you find the genuine Lapland. Saariselkä is the northernmost travel destination in the European Union and boasts a variety of services.We can recomend this beautiful car route to explore the best parts of the region, starting for example from the Ivalo airport.